Mediterranean food orlando fl – Embark on a culinary adventure to the heart of Mediterranean cuisine in Orlando, FL, where tantalizing flavors and vibrant dishes await. From authentic restaurants to cooking classes, Mediterranean food offers a rich tapestry of tastes that will delight your palate and nourish your soul.
Discover the secrets of this ancient cuisine, explore its health benefits, and indulge in Mediterranean-inspired recipes that will transport you to the shores of the Mediterranean Sea.
Popular Mediterranean Restaurants in Orlando, FL
Orlando, Florida, offers a diverse culinary scene, including many highly-rated Mediterranean restaurants. These restaurants offer a range of authentic dishes from various Mediterranean countries, featuring fresh ingredients, flavorful spices, and traditional cooking techniques.
Here are some of the top-rated Mediterranean restaurants in Orlando, FL, based on customer reviews and culinary accolades:
The Ravenous Pig
- Address: 1234 Edgewater Drive, Orlando, FL 32804
- Phone: (407) 422-3437
- Website: www.theravenouspig.com
The Ravenous Pig is a modern Mediterranean restaurant known for its innovative dishes and creative use of local ingredients. Their menu features a variety of small plates, entrees, and desserts, all prepared with a focus on fresh, seasonal flavors.
Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine, Mediterranean food orlando fl
- Address: 1201 Lee Road, Orlando, FL 32810
- Phone: (407) 299-6912
- Website: www.bosphorusturkishcuisine.com
Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine is a family-owned restaurant specializing in traditional Turkish dishes. Their menu includes a wide selection of appetizers, kebabs, stews, and desserts, all made with authentic Turkish ingredients and spices.
Zeytinia
- Address: 2441 Curry Ford Road, Orlando, FL 32806
- Phone: (407) 228-4310
- Website: www.zeytinia.com
Zeytinia is a modern Mediterranean restaurant with a focus on Greek and Turkish cuisine. Their menu features a variety of mezze plates, grilled dishes, and seafood, all prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients and traditional cooking techniques.
Cafe Tu Tu Tango
- Address: 8121 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819
- Phone: (407) 248-2222
- Website: www.cafetututango.com
Cafe Tu Tu Tango is a lively Mediterranean restaurant with a focus on Spanish and Moroccan cuisine. Their menu features a variety of tapas, paellas, and tagines, all prepared with authentic ingredients and spices.
Cask & Larder
- Address: 3201 Corrine Drive, Orlando, FL 32803
- Phone: (407) 228-4310
- Website: www.caskandlarder.com
Cask & Larder is a modern Mediterranean restaurant with a focus on seasonal ingredients and sustainable practices. Their menu features a variety of small plates, entrees, and desserts, all prepared with fresh, local ingredients and creative cooking techniques.
Unique Mediterranean Dishes to Try
When visiting Orlando, FL, foodies should venture beyond the typical Italian and American fare and explore the city’s vibrant Mediterranean cuisine. Here are some of the most popular and unique dishes to try:
These dishes offer a tantalizing blend of flavors and textures, showcasing the culinary diversity of the Mediterranean region.
Muhammara
- A vibrant red dip made from roasted red peppers, walnuts, pomegranate molasses, and spices.
- Often served as an appetizer with pita bread or vegetables.
Falafel
- Crispy fried balls made from chickpeas or fava beans, herbs, and spices.
- Traditionally served in pita bread with hummus and tahini sauce.
Shakshuka
- A flavorful dish of eggs poached in a spicy tomato sauce with bell peppers, onions, and cumin.
- Typically served with pita bread or crusty bread for dipping.
Kofta
- Grilled or pan-fried meatballs made from a blend of lamb, beef, or chicken.
- Often seasoned with cumin, coriander, and paprika, and served with rice or bulgur.
Baklava
- A sweet pastry made from layers of filo dough, nuts, and honey.
- Traditionally served as a dessert and often cut into diamond shapes.
Mediterranean Cuisine’s Health Benefits
Mediterranean cuisine is renowned for its health benefits, attributed to its emphasis on fresh produce, whole grains, and lean protein. This dietary pattern has been linked to a reduced risk of chronic diseases, including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer.
The health benefits of Mediterranean cuisine can be attributed to several factors, including:
- High intake of fruits and vegetables: Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which protect against chronic diseases.
- Whole grains: Whole grains provide fiber, which helps regulate blood sugar levels and promotes digestive health.
- Lean protein: Lean protein, such as fish, poultry, and beans, provides essential amino acids without excessive saturated fat.
- Healthy fats: Mediterranean cuisine emphasizes healthy fats, such as olive oil, which is rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that benefit heart health.
Specific Dishes and Their Nutritional Value
Some specific dishes in Mediterranean cuisine that exemplify its health benefits include:
- Greek salad: A traditional Greek salad contains tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, olives, and feta cheese, providing a balance of vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats.
- Tabbouleh: A Lebanese salad made with bulgur, tomatoes, parsley, mint, and lemon juice, offering a good source of fiber and antioxidants.
- Hummus: A Middle Eastern dip made from chickpeas, tahini, and olive oil, providing protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
- Grilled salmon with roasted vegetables: Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, while roasted vegetables provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Mediterranean Cooking Classes in Orlando, FL
Immerse yourself in the vibrant flavors and techniques of Mediterranean cuisine with cooking classes tailored to all skill levels in Orlando, FL. These classes provide hands-on experience, expert guidance, and an opportunity to learn the culinary secrets of this healthy and delectable cuisine.
The Chef’s Table Cooking School
- Class Format:Hands-on, group cooking classes
- Duration:3-4 hours
- Cost:$75-$125 per person
- What to Expect:Learn fundamental Mediterranean cooking techniques, prepare a multi-course menu, and enjoy your creations with fellow participants.
Sur la Table
- Class Format:In-person and virtual classes
- Duration:2-3 hours
- Cost:$60-$90 per person
- What to Expect:Explore specific Mediterranean cuisines, such as Italian, Greek, or Moroccan, and master dishes like pasta, paella, or tagine.
The Seasoned Spoon
- Class Format:Private and group cooking classes
- Duration:2-4 hours
- Cost:Varies depending on group size and menu
- What to Expect:Customize your class to focus on specific Mediterranean dishes or techniques, and receive personalized guidance from an experienced chef.
Mediterranean-Inspired Recipes
Experiment with Mediterranean flavors and create delicious dishes in your own kitchen. These recipes are easy to follow and require minimal ingredients, making them perfect for busy home cooks.
Dive into the culinary traditions of the Mediterranean and delight in the vibrant flavors that characterize this healthy and flavorful cuisine.
Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa, cooked
- 1/2 cup chopped cucumber
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chopped feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped kalamata olives
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, cucumber, red onion, tomatoes, feta cheese, olives, and parsley.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and stir to combine.
- Serve immediately or chill for later.
Grilled Halloumi with Mediterranean Vegetables
- Ingredients:
- 1 block halloumi cheese, cut into 1-inch thick slices
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the zucchini, bell peppers, olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Toss to coat and let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat a grill or grill pan over medium heat.
- Grill the halloumi slices for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Remove the halloumi from the grill and set aside.
- Grill the marinated vegetables for 5-7 minutes, or until tender and slightly charred.
- Serve the grilled halloumi with the Mediterranean vegetables.
Mediterranean Food Tours in Orlando, FL: Mediterranean Food Orlando Fl
Orlando, FL, offers a range of Mediterranean food tours that provide an immersive culinary experience. These tours typically cover multiple restaurants and cuisines, allowing participants to sample a variety of dishes and flavors.
Orlando Mediterranean Food Tours
One popular option is the Orlando Mediterranean Food Tour, which takes participants on a guided walking tour of the city’s Little Saigon neighborhood. The tour includes stops at several Vietnamese, Thai, and Chinese restaurants, where participants can try a variety of dishes such as pho, pad thai, and dim sum.Another
option is the Taste of the Mediterranean Food Tour, which takes participants to four different restaurants in the International Drive area. The tour includes a variety of Mediterranean dishes, such as hummus, baba ghanoush, falafel, and kebabs.Most Mediterranean food tours in Orlando, FL, last for about 2-3 hours and cost around $50-$75 per person.
Tours typically include food samples, drinks, and a guided commentary on the history and culture of Mediterranean cuisine.
General Inquiries
What are some popular Mediterranean restaurants in Orlando, FL?
Some popular Mediterranean restaurants in Orlando, FL, include The Ravenous Pig, Cask & Larder, Se7en Bites, Domu, and Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine.
What are some unique Mediterranean dishes to try in Orlando, FL?
Some unique Mediterranean dishes to try in Orlando, FL, include falafel, shawarma, hummus, baba ghanoush, and baklava.
What are the health benefits of Mediterranean cuisine?
Mediterranean cuisine is known for its health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, and some types of cancer. It is also rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
Are there any Mediterranean cooking classes in Orlando, FL?
Yes, there are several Mediterranean cooking classes in Orlando, FL. Some popular options include The Chef’s Table Cooking School, The Cooking Studio, and Sur La Table.
Are there any Mediterranean food tours in Orlando, FL?
Yes, there are several Mediterranean food tours in Orlando, FL. Some popular options include the Orlando Food Tours Mediterranean Food Tour and the Taste of Turkey Food Tour.
